Alabama TE learns lesson about blocking without helmet

Josh Jacobs' 18-yard touchdown run against Louisville was almost typical.

It was just a handoff the Alabama junior bounced outside for what looked like an easy run into the end zone. Only the block that got him there was thrown by a helmetless teammate.

Tight end Hale Hentges lost his headgear engaging the Louisville line but still sealed the edge to spring the score that put Alabama up 34-0. He only later found out that's against a rule that was not enforced on the play.

It's just natural instinct," Hentges said, reflecting more than a week later. "Apparently, that was a penalty. I didn't know that, I guess that might be newer. I've seen that situation come up every so often. I didn't know that, but I'm glad it happened so now everyone on the team knows. But just natural instinct.

"You definitely don't think, 'I'm just going to completely stop and stand still at that moment.' But I'm glad that they didn't call a penalty there because that would have negated Josh's big run. I just try to sacrifice for my teammates. Even if I wasn't wearing anything, I'd still try and go lay a block for Josh because that's how I feel about him and I want our team to win."

Coaches later informed him the rule says you can no longer engage on a play after his helmet comes off. He didn't think that scenario would play out but is happy the team is now up to speed on this rule.

Hentges got reinforcement on the regulation at home.

"My fiance probably gave it to me the worst because she was like 'You're going to get hurt out there. Protect your head,' stuff like that," he said. "I'm like, 'You don't think about that in the moment, you just try to make a play.'"

Jacobs appreciated the effort.

"It's funny because I didn't notice that until I went and seen it," he said. "That just shows you the type of person he is. He grinds every day, and he'll give you his last. So shout out to him."

Michael Casagrande is an Alabama beat writer for the Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @ByCasagrande or on Facebook.